The peripheral nervous system is involved in movement and sensation. Peripheral neuritis is characterized by swelling, redness, weakness, and numbness in the arms and legs, fingertips, and toes. It is common in the elderly but can also occur in younger people. Most cases are caused by infections.
Patients with peripheral neuritis can be divided into 3 groups
- The first group has actual inflammation in the peripheral nervous system. It may be caused by respiratory infections, such as viruses that cause inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, or it may be found in people with immune system disorders or immunodeficiency. Patients will experience weakness and numbness but can still move around and work. In severe cases, important muscles such as respiratory muscles may be affected, requiring ventilator support or intubation. This inflammation may result from an autoimmune reaction and takes some time to recover. Treatment may involve certain medications such as serum-type anti-allergy drugs, which can be quite expensive. If there is a severe infection in important muscles of the arms or legs, weakness may occur, and some patients may need physical therapy.
- The second group is due to a deficiency of vitamins or certain substances, such as vitamin B. This group is less common nowadays due to improved nutrition.
- The third group results from various toxins, such as lead or heavy metals. These toxins damage the peripheral nervous system, usually at the fingertips and toes where many nerves are located. Care should be taken to avoid wounds at the fingertips and toes. If wounds or bruises are found at these sites, medical attention should be sought immediately, as untreated wounds may worsen and become difficult to treat.
There is also another group that appears to involve the peripheral nervous system but is actually a disorder of the central nervous system, such as abnormalities in the spinal cord. Examples include tumors or pressure on nerves, and herniated discs compressing nerves in the lumbar region, which is common. This causes symptoms of numbness, weakness, pain, and balance problems due to leg weakness. Patients with herniated discs often have a characteristic walking pattern or sometimes weakness. Additionally, diabetes can also cause peripheral neuritis.
